How We Make Our Herbal Drops: The Blooming Blends Process

There is more to a bottle of herbal drops than the finished blend. Every Blooming Blends tincture begins with whole herbs and ends with a smooth, alcohol-free finish, and I want you to know exactly what happens in between.

Here is a closer look at how we make our herbal drops, from the herbs we choose to the bottle in your hand.

What is a herbal tincture?

A herbal tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made from plants. It is one of the oldest and simplest ways of preparing herbs, and it has stayed popular for a very practical reason: liquid drops are easy to take. There is no brewing and no tablets, just a dropper you can use straight from the bottle or add to a little water.

You can read more about the tradition behind them on our About Herbal Tinctures page.

Step one: beginning with whole herbs

Each blend starts with its own combination of herbs, chosen for their character and their place in herbal tradition. Energy, for example, brings together hibiscus flower, gotu kola, Siberian ginseng, rosehip and ashwagandha root. Her Harmony uses a completely different recipe.

Because every blend is different, we list the herbs in each one clearly on its product page. If you would like to get to know an individual herb, from ashwagandha to chamomile, you will find them all in The Herbs We Use and in the Meet the Herbs menu at the top of every page.

Step two: extraction

We steep the herbs in alcohol, which is the traditional way of drawing their natural plant compounds out into a liquid. This is the part of the process that makes a tincture a tincture.

Step three: removing the alcohol

Once extraction is complete, the alcohol is gently evaporated away. What remains is the concentrated herbal extract.

This is why we describe our finished tinctures as alcohol-free: alcohol is used during extraction, then removed before the blend is finished.

Step four: the glycerine finish

Finally, each extract is blended with plant-based glycerine made from UK-grown rapeseed. Glycerine preserves the blend and gives it a smooth, naturally sweet taste, so it is pleasant to take straight from the dropper.

Made in small batches

Our tinctures are made in small batches in the English countryside. Keeping our batches small means we can give every blend the care it deserves.

Your questions, answered

Why use alcohol if the finished tincture is alcohol-free?

Alcohol is the traditional way to extract plant compounds from herbs. We use it for extraction only, then evaporate it away before finishing each blend with glycerine.

How do I take a tincture?

Always read and follow the directions on your bottle, as serving instructions vary between blends.

Can I take your tinctures if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Alcohol-free does not mean suitable for everyone. We do not recommend taking our tinctures during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless advised by your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

Can I take your tinctures alongside medication?

If you are taking medication or are under medical supervision, please consult your doctor or pharmacist before using our tinctures.

A note before you choose

Our tinctures are food supplements. They should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do not exceed the recommended daily amount, and keep out of reach of young children.

Thank you for taking the time to look beyond the bottle. When you are ready, you can explore the full Blooming Blends collection, with the herbs, directions and precautions for every blend on its product page.

Fleur, Founder